Inspired by styling from the Dakar[3] and Jeepster[4] concept vehicles, the Liberty replaced the discontinued Jeep Cherokee.

The 2005, 2006 Renegade and 2005 Rocky Mountain Edition Liberties received an exclusive flat hood and taller grille.

[8][9][10][11][12] The Jeep Liberty received a complete redesign for the 2008 model year and was marketed along with the closely related Dodge Nitro.

[13] With the smaller Patriot and Compass crossover SUVs now available to cater to economy-conscious buyers, the four-cylinder engine was dropped from the Liberty's offerings.

Jeep discontinued the Liberty CRD for the American market because it could not meet tougher 2007 emissions standards for diesel engines.